Carnival Corporation's subsidiary and travel brand Princess Cruises became the first major North American cruise shipping company to welcome unvaccinated tourists onboard.
On an update to their health/protocol page on July 14, the company said they wanted to make sailing with Princess Cruises "as easy, hassle-free, and safe as possible," regardless of vaccination status, which was why they rigorously followed "guidelines from governmental, health and regulatory organizations throughout the world.”
“With the recent easing of CDC vaccination requirements, the options available to unvaccinated guests continue to expand.
“We can now accommodate up to 10% of unvaccinated guests on most sailings without burdensome exemptions or vaccine status justification, available on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Previously, for approval, passengers had to apply for a medical exemption that had to be backed by a note from their doctor. The new policy allows anyone the chance to sail, regardless of vaccination status.
There is an exception to the rule for sailings that call to Canada.
Princess says,
“Please note that cruises that begin, end or visit Canada will require sailing guests ages 12 and above who are not Canadian citizens be fully vaccinated, unless they are granted a medical exemption.”
Passengers still need to apply for an exemption. The allotment is up to 10% of the voyage, and the cruise line could put occupancy caps on unvaccinated passengers allowed to sail to remain in compliance with CDC guidelines.
Regardless, a negative COVID-test result is still required on all Princess sailings through a PCR/Antigen/NAAT test.
In Europe, two of Carnival Corporation's brands are testing cruisers with pre-boarding testing, including HAL-Holland America Line voyages from Amsterdam Netherlands and P&O UK’s Iona sailings to Norway.